The Start was in a lovely 15 knot South Wester which saw Ellen, Paul, Sheamus and Des run up the coast under a beautiful light weight spinnaker. Well the Spinnaker was light but the effect of a Sheet can be seen on Paul's back (taken 2 days later)

Ellen boarded the Squadron launch Guitana immediately after the finish under Barranjoey for a quick trip to Palm Beach where she boarded a bus then train for the trip home.

Des, Paul and Sheamus continued to Halletts Beach for a BBQ.

Day Two Sunday

Inshore Races around Pittwater followed by a raft up very close to the shore in Refuge Bay.

Day Three Monday

A very rough and blustery race around Lion Island, with only three crew there was no time for photos.

Day Four Tuesday

Lay Day and Picnic in the Basin, Claude Joined the Cruise here.

Day Five Wednesday

Darryl Joined the Cruise to both act as tourist and crew for the Inshore Races.

Day Six Thursday

Inshore Race where Katinka again came 2nd in the Spinnaker Division.
The Night was spent at Prince Alfred Yacht Club, where Kevin Joined the Crew.
Here we see Darryl claiming his trivia prize and Kevin watching Des dance with the skipper of Willyama.

Day Seven Friday

Offshore race with Darryl and Claude followed by a Raft Up and Beach BBQ at Taylors Beach.

Day Eight Saturday

Heading back to Sydney in a fine Southerly.

7.9 nm off Barrenjoey Katinka Tacked onto the layline for Sydney heads.
During the tack the tail of a spinnaker sheet jammed between the base of the skeg and the foot of rudder completely freezing the rudder with a 10 degree Starboard heading.
Paul spent almost an hour in the water attempting to pull, winch and finally cut the line free all to no avail. The whole exercise was not helped by the the 20 knot Southerly and 2 to 3 metre swell.

Eventually as darkness approached discretion had us call the Coastal patrol and Water Police who had us rig our sea anchor from the bow while we awaited their arrival and eventual tow into the Royal Motor Yacht Club, where Claude was a member.

To add insult to injury the engine refused to start as we were preparing to berth.

The crew of "Valient" were true to their crafts name, true ship mates and professionals.

10% Starboard Helm made the tow difficult but still created a good wake behind.

Day Nine Sunday

Jammed Rudder
The Sheet was removed by loosening the rudder post nut which lowered the rudder permitting the sheet to be easily pulled out during a short drive.

The engine continues to refuse to start.
Coastal Patrol drove Claude to purchase some Aero Start.
Claude bled both Injectors.
Success only when all put back together and the on deck control given a last wobble.

Trip Home Claude cooks a hearty breakfast. Depart RMYC at 8.45 Motor to CYCA Initially into no wind which developed into a true southerly.